Questioning Knowledge, Truth, and Life

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”

-- Amit Ray

What do you regret that you never learned in school?

Algebra. Mathematics is a required course in college, but I could never overcome my fear of it enough to take the course. Having said that, I could always help my son with his algebra homework, which was odd.

Should we put human life into mathematical equations (e.g. 1 human life＜2 human life)?

No, because, once you do, it will be proved wrong. Human life is what it is, but it is also abstract at the most inopportune times. Life changes, constantly. There are some aspects that can be statistical until the statistics change. They’re still statistical but changed, so how good are the statistics? We need to embrace that they’re as good as we can get for the time indicated.

If you were given control over nature, what would you change about life?

Climate, worldwide crop production, and potable water availability.

"When man decides he can control nature, he's in deep trouble."

-- Laura Dern

What do bad managers do that drive good employees to quit?

Poor communication skills, inequitable workloads, unrealistic timelines, all an obvious lack of job knowledge and understanding that just might reflect the business culture.

What if you are the problem?

Well, then, shame on you! This is when you ask yourself, why, and hope you can give an honest answer. If you can’t, then you’re probably still in denial.

Are you willing to accept the truth about your current situation?

Oh, my, yes! I stopped decorating my current situation with bullshit years ago. Better to just make it all good so you don’t have to worry about it, then you can strive to be happy always.

“We might feel that we must demonstrate explicitly when we’re upset, or not upset. This perceived need may stem from our family of origin, from how we learned to be heard when a simple “no” wasn’t enough. We may have learned to mask certain feelings, or portray feelings that weren’t ours. But as adults, we each need to learn to state our personal truth without having to prove it or shout it.”

--  Alexandra Katehakis

How can I keep from being impatient when it seems my goals in life are being achieved so slowly?

Try to remember it isn’t about the destination, or how fast you get there. It is all about the journey, what you learn, and who you meet, along the way. Instead of paying attention to patience, try paying attention to the moment, making good choices in the moment, and being happy in the moment and always. The rest will take care of itself.

What are some everyday skills that you wish were taught in school?

Stress reduction, meditation, how to be happy always, how to ask “why” everything happens and how to answer it honestly.

Is reading books and educational content necessary for success and wealth accumulation?

Not always, but you’re either going to pay someone to do what you don’t know how to, or you’re going to have one hell of a lucky streak. Better you should read and get an education so at least you’ll know if who you’re paying is “cooking the books.”

“Success in life depends upon happiness, and happiness is found in no other way than through SERVICE that is rendered in a spirit of love." Napoleon Hill”

-- Napoleon Hill

Is life a 'patience' game or a luck one?

Life is a “working for what you want” game. You can be patient or you can be lucky, or you can work your ass off and actually feel like you earned what you got in life. It’s a concept.

Are you up to something?

Always. If you’re not “up to something,” what is the point of life?

What's the meaning of Plato's quote, “Believed that genuine happiness can only be achieved by people who consistently make sure their reason is in control of their spirits and appetites”?

This is not a quote by Plato, but by someone commenting on Plato’s belief: “Plato believed that genuine happiness can only be achieved by people who consistently make sure that their Reason is in control of their Spirits and Appetites.” 

I always state that life is about making good and right choices and decisions. In this way, you have used reason to ensure your choices and decisions are the right ones and, thus, controlled your varied spirits and appetites. One must be in control of what, why, where, and how they do things, and who they do those things with. Making the wrong choices certainly doesn’t ensure happiness follows.

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Who between a child and a fool is to be trusted as a source for truth?

I would opt for the innocence of a child, depending on the age. A fool is a fool for reason, and foolishness has no place around the truth. I think a child, as they grow older, generally learns to be a fool from those around them before they learn to be better due to the consequences of foolishness.

What do I do if I lose everyone and everything?

Ask yourself why this happened. Take ownership of the choices and decisions you made that contributed heavily to your consequences. Learn from what you find out, and then start over and strive to do better.

What are 7 years of not having a smile on my face?

A tragic waste. One must strive to be happy always, even in the face of adversity. Life is much too short for us to choose to allow anything else in our lives.

“You can be the most beautiful person in the world and everybody sees light and rainbows when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that doesn't even matter. Every second that you spend on doubting your worth, every moment that you use to criticize yourself; is a second of your life wasted, is a moment of your life thrown away. It's not like you have forever, so don't waste any of your seconds, don't throw even one of your moments away.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com